The Horse Symbolism and Meaning

The horse appears in all the mythologies of the planet. The symbol of the horse dates to prehistory, and the first civilizations.

The earliest writings of horses date back to the third millennium BC, where historians discovered slate tablets in Elam (present-day Iraq and Iran) that refer to this noble, wild beast.

The horse is a universal myth. In Europe we have known it since it incarnated the winged horse Pegasus with powerful wings, the steeds of Apollo, and many more.

Or also the eight-legged horse of the Norse god Odin. In India, the horse is represented on the steeds of the Hindu sun god.

Many legends mention that the horse is clairvoyant and capable of perceiving humans with magical powers. No other animal has given man the physical freedom of movement that the horse has given him. The horse was the means of transportation for human beings until cars and the railway were invented.

It is the animal closest to the human being since the beginning of civilizations. The horse tells us: bravely and safely face physical and spiritual changes. Overcome obstacles with strength and determination and resist blows and take them as life lessons.

He does not look to the past, and carries heavy loads with dignity. He has a nonconformist character and is difficult to control. The horse loves to live in freedom but feels love towards his own. The horse invites you to take new directions.

If you are attracted to Horse, you feel a power in your spirit that is sometimes difficult to control. A totem horse is a symbol of loyalty and devotion, of unquestioning love and faith towards its master. You really like to travel, and you have something of a gypsy in your soul; the horse is your totem.

The horse is also your warrior spirit—the brave warrior who gives you security on your journeys, both physical and metaphysical.

Horse as Spirit Symbol

Horse shamanic medicine includes power, vigor, endurance, fidelity, the freedom to run free, control of the environment, the awareness of power achieved with true cooperation, interspecies communication, the power to expand one’s own potential abilities, friendship and cooperation, travel, astral travel, guardian of travelers, warns of dangers, guide to overcome obstacles.

Due to the natural companionship of him with man in work and art, the horse easily wins a special honor in history, a high honor, reverent and full of symbolism.

The horse allowed man to win in war, gave him mobility, productivity, helped him in agriculture, thanks to the horse development was achieved in all areas, the horse is undoubtedly one of the totem animals that contribute the most to the improvement of civilization.

If you are attracted to Horse, you feel a power in your spirit that is sometimes difficult to control. It is loyalty and devotion, love, and faith.

Horse shamanic medicine includes power, vigor, endurance, fidelity, freedom to run free, friendship and cooperation, travel. The horse is the totem of those who adore freedom.

It suggests progress and change. The horse totem ensures that there will be no boredom in life.

The Horse as a Symbol in Many Cultures

Many cultures assign the attributes of the four elements to the horse: Earth, Fire, Air and Water.

The Horse meaning in Celtic Mythology

As a Celtic symbol, the horse is associated with war. War, victory, conquest, longevity is attributed, as well as the acquisition of territory and other treasures that come with triumph in battle.

For the Celts, the horse was Epona, the Celtic goddess who revived throughout Europe and was even adopted by the Romans.

The Celts praised the horse as belonging to the sun god, and assigned it a place with the goddess Epona (see Celtic Gods and Goddesses for more on Epona).

The Horse in Greece and Rome

The Greco-Romans also associated the horse with the spoils of war and attributed to it the symbolism of power, victory, honor, dominance, and virility.

In Greece and Rome, the myth of the Horse is said to be created by Poseidon (Neptune) and worships Hades (Pluto) and Ares (Mars). The Romans also believed that the horse was a symbol of the continuity of life, and it was customary to sacrifice a horse to the god Mars every October, keeping its tail through the winter as a sign of fertility and rebirth.

The Horse and the Horseshoe

It belongs to the Greco-Roman culture to associate the symbol of the horseshoe as an amulet that can protect the house from bad omens and breaking streaks of bad luck.

It is said that it is because of its curved shape that it can drive away these bad vibrations. Associated with a horse that has carried it, the magical energy is increased, which is why it was hung on the front door of houses.

The Horse meanings in Hindu Mythology

In Hindu symbolism, Brihadaranyaka, the horse is linked to Varuna and as such is identified with the cosmos. Also, a white horse is believed to be the last incarnation of Vishnu.

Buddha is said to have left this physical plane, riding a white horse. Also, in Buddhism a winged horse is often depicted carrying the book of the law.

The Horse in Chinese Mythology

As one of the symbols in the Chinese zodiac, the horse in Chinese culture represents practicality, love, patience, dedication, and stability.

Also in the East, the horse is considered an amulet of fertility and masculine potency. It is considered a masculine symbol and amulets abound to fortify men and empower them.

The Horse in American Mythology As a Native Symbol

The horse totem meanings is to combine the earth element connection with the air element. The horse in its gallop interconnects the two elements. The totem horse is for Native Americans a helper, messenger, and harbinger of spirit knowledge.

The horse totem is considered wild and an emblem of freedom, the Native American sees many potentialities in the symbolic character of the horse totem, thus they see that the wild freedom of the horse can be harnessed and used for the benefit of the tribe. This understanding comes about only when man and beast enter into a contract of silence – the recognition of mutual respect and awareness of responsibility for one another.

The totem horse is for Native Americans a helper, messenger, and harbinger of spirit knowledge. The totem horse is considered wild and an emblem of freedom.

Horse Color Meaning

horse is loyal animal
Black Horse

The colors of this noble animal, whether part of a dream, a vision, your spirit animal, or messenger, are always significant.

We have compiled the symbolism of each color here for further study. These messages apply specifically to the equine mammal. You can also study some of the specific breeds like Arabian horses and American Quarter horses.

These colors can also be applied to the Flame and the Camel.

Symbolism of the White Horse

In this case, the white steed represents an avatar or teacher of knowledge and faith. They are the experts in spiritual progress and are experts in the fields of intellectualism and reason. This spirit animal is in control of its emotions and manifests perfect justice. Also, this animal signifies the arrival of a spiritual lesson or teacher in your life.

Palomino Horse Totem (Gold)

A golden equine signifies the arrival of a spiritual manifestation. They are symbols of the rising sun and are Masters of action. It is a new day, and there is much to do. Therefore, you must rely on your inner wealth of knowledge to achieve your goals. Also, believe in your heart that all things are possible and that everything will now be available to you.

Gray Horse Symbolism

Always go for gray on a rainy day, and when things are tough, look for the bright side. In other words, I believe that whatever you are going through will soon be resolved. This colored equine can represent shady deals and compromises. Therefore, you must go within and be honest with yourself.

Meaning of the Black Horse

The symbolism of the black steed is both a challenge to death and a quest for death. In other words, it symbolizes death and rebirth. It means the closing of one door and the opening of another. It can also symbolize the need for you to take a leap of faith and trust what you are being guided to do, even if you cannot see the reason or the result. Go blind and believe.

Brown Horse Meaning

The brown horse is a reminder not to get caught up in the worship of material goods. Know that the Universe will always provide everything that you will need now and that not all things are necessities. Once you release your attachment to your materialism, you make room for abundance.

Symbolism of the Red Horse

The red steed symbolizes hidden anger, revenge, and combativeness. He is letting you know that his current actions fall into these categories. Someone close to you is harboring ill will and jealousy.

Black and White Horse Symbolism

The black and white animal totem is representative of balance. It can also be a symbol of indecision and divided loyalties. Dig within yourself to regain your balance and be true to yourself. Only you can change.

The horse is the guardian of travelers and you have embarked on an especially important journey. It is a spiritual journey that will take you from darkness to light. The horse accompanies you to remind you that you will reach your destination because you have much more strength than you have shown so far and, on this journey, you will have the opportunity to discover and use it.

The horse chooses to guide sensitive and noble souls who are dedicated to many different professions and occupations, but in all cases, they must learn to manage their powerful intuition and overcome all internal and external obstacles that prevent them from standing out to show all its light.

The control of thoughts, emotions, energy and all the desires that harm the physical body are the main lessons that a person guided by this noble animal must learn.

Energy, strong emotions, passionate desires

A typical symbolism of the horse is that of an animal that represents physical strength, vitality, but also our psychological or emotional capacity to move forward in life.

Depending on what this spirit animal means to you, it could symbolize your ability to overcome obstacles in life and pursue your goal no matter what might stand in your way.

Having a horse as a spirit animal indicates how free you feel to express yourself in life. The horse is an animal domesticated by humans, but it maintains its own energy and drive. As a power animal, it is related to your ability to express yourself freely and assertively in social settings such as work or school, or in closer circles of family and friends.

The Biblical meaning of Horse


The biblical meaning of horse refers to the animal with a powerful, strong, and brave spirit. His name in Hebrew is ‘Abbir’. Animal that originates from the grasslands of Asia and Europe; therefore, not of Middle Eastern descent. Agricultural and transportation element.

The horse is a symbol of freedom. People who have this animal spirit are adventurous. This protective animal guides you on rides in new directions to show your great power and freedom. People who like horses are regularly characterized as: friendly, bold, brave, and daring.

The first images of the horse were painted and engraved on cave walls in prehistoric times. These continue to be unforgettable images. The horse was prey to ancient hunters. However, the image of him became among the most prominent metaphorical figures of the original religions of humanity.

This animal was trained by peoples from India to western Europe, and the North Caucasus. It was introduced in the fertile crescent that corresponds to the territories of Mesopotamia, the Mediterranean and Persia, in the 18th century BC. It may have been brought to Egypt by rulers from the Middle East.

The might of the military in Assyria, Babylon, Egypt, and Medo-Persia was due in some way to horses (Isaiah 31:1,3). He stood for the frightening part of the army. Just the fact of the sonar of the horses and cars was enough to startle the enemy.

In the lyrics of the Bible, the value, strength, and speed of the horse are praised. However, people who, like the animal, use the whip, sling and bridle are reprimanded. Since then, the figure of the horse has been criticized by the prophets. Keeping the divine displeasure in the AT since they made this equine a warrior and combative image that separates from God.

Whereas in the OT, the horse is seen in a negative light. In the NT, it is perceived as an instrument of God. It becomes relevant to create the image of Jesus on a white horse. It is the call of God on each person, metaphorically perceived as a spiritual horse that we must ride to go in the right direction. To keep us on the ideal path, practicing the gospel of God. Ultimately let us ride on a horse of God.